Children's National announces Tonya Vidal Kinlow as the Vice President of Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Government Affairs
August 14, 2014

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Washington, DC – Tonya Vidal Kinlow has been named the Vice President of Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Government Affairs.

In this role, Ms. Kinlow will lead Children's local and national advocacy and education efforts, held under the umbrella of the Child Health Advocacy Institute, which engages in strategic collaborative advocacy to proactively address health threats impacting children and serves as an influential voice in the development of child health policy. She also will work with federal and local government stakeholders to ensure that the needs of children are kept in the forefront of the development of policies and regulations.

“Tonya Kinlow’s knowledge and standing within the healthcare community and the Washington, DC, metropolitan area community will help Children’s National ensure that every child, everywhere, has the best chance at a bright and healthy future,” stated Elizabeth Flury, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Children’s.

Ms. Kinlow comes to Children’s National with a superior knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes, and an ability to create and execute strategic tactical plans. Most recently, Ms. Kinlow was the Vice President of Government Affairs for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield in the National Capital Area. She has spent 25 years leading and managing government relations for associations and healthcare payers including the District of Columbia Hospital Association, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., and the National Medical Association.

As a prominent community leader, Ms. Kinlow has held a number of elected and volunteer leadership positions with Washington, DC, metropolitan area community organizations. Her advocacy on behalf of children extends beyond her work in health care. Ms. Kinlow is a former member of the DC Board of Education and was the first Ombudsman for DC Public Schools. In both roles, she fought to make sure all District children had access to quality, free public education. She currently holds board membership roles with the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Greater Washington Urban League, and Providence Health Foundation.

Ms. Kinlow received her Master’s in Public Administration from American University and her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Loyola University of New Orleans, La.

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Contact: Tony Raker or Emily Hartman at 202-476-4500.

About Children’s National Health System

Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National is Magnet® designated, and is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Home to the Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is one of the nation’s top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. With a community-based pediatric network, seven regional outpatient centers, an ambulatory surgery center, two emergency rooms, an acute care hospital, and collaborations throughout the region, Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as an advocate for all children. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.